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Lake Shelbyville tree stand permits now available for the 2026-2027 deer season

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•September 9, 2026•

Lake Shelbyville’s tree stand policy for this year will remain the same as last season’s policy.

The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season, referred to as a seasonal tree stand, and/or use up to two roving stands that may be left up during archery season for no more than 72 hours without use, or the length of a three-day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed two weeks before archery season and must be removed within two weeks after archery season ends. Archery season runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Jan. 17, 2027.

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MCHGS presents “Marion Medical Mission: Clean Water in Malawi”

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•September 9, 2026•

On Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m., the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society, 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan, will host its monthly program on the “Marion Medical Mission: Clean Water in Malawi.” Presented by Moultrie County residents Susie and Dan Selock, the Selocks will share their experiences helping build water wells in Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. 

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The Busy Woman’s Guide: You only need the next step

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•September 9, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

There are some problems you can solve with a list.

What needs to go in the kids’ backpacks? Make a list. What needs to happen before company comes over? Make a list. What needs to get done before Monday morning? Definitely make a list.

But the bigger decisions in life rarely cooperate quite so nicely.

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4-H youth invited to explore veterinary medicine and animal industry careers through two educational field trips

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•September 9, 2026•

University of Illinois Extension 4-H is offering two exciting career exploration field trips this fall, providing youth with hands-on opportunities to learn about veterinary medicine, animal health, food production, and career pathways within the animal industry.

Youth will have the opportunity to visit the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Open House in Urbana and participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Kal Kan Mars Pet Care in Mattoon.

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Obituaries 9-9-2026: Marjorie Queen

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Marjory Queen

Marjory J. Queen, 87, of Bethany, passed away August 31, 2026, at her home.

Graveside services were held Friday, September 4, 2026, at Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethany or to the Marrowbone Public Library, Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

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A Look Back…9-9-2026

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1966

Jim Ralston, manager of The Index store in Sullivan, presented a check to Mrs. Jackie Hardy, of Shelbyville. Mrs. Hardy’s recipe for Rhubarb Custard pie was the winning recipe for the Molly McKay column. The Index was one of the sponsors of the column.

John Nagy and Charles White were named as co-sponsors of the annual Sullivan High School homecoming festivities. This year’s Homecoming opponent was Monticello.

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CEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program

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•September 9, 2026•

CEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program   CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby recently announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.  

The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (60+ years), individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 2, 2026.  Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.   

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Sullivan Elementary artwork marks step toward larger playground vision

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•September 9, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Brightly painted obstacle courses, hopscotch challenges, an alphabet scramble and other activities now stretch across the blacktop at Sullivan Elementary School, giving students new ways to move, create and play during recess.

The artwork is a visible change students can enjoy now, but it is part of a larger, multi-year effort by the Sullivan Elementary School PTO to improve the school’s outdoor spaces and eventually replace playground equipment that is approximately 30 years old.

The idea grew from what the PTO calls its annual “Dream Big” requests, which give school staff an opportunity to suggest improvements they would like to see for students. Over time, the PTO noticed a recurring theme: Teachers were asking for playground repairs, outdoor toys and a shaded area where students could learn and spend time outside.

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